The wearable technology product category continues to grow each year as more companies release new products and more consumers become comfortable with the idea of always being plugged in or monitored by a device. Whether it is a smartwatch, fitness tracker, health monitor or niche device to improve your sport game, the products often become smaller and more affordable with each holiday season. This year, there are wearable devices for everyone in a variety of price ranges. Here are some of the standouts in their respective groups.
Smartwatches
Apple Watch, above
Starts at $449
Although it has been the recipient of mixed reviews because of its sometimes-slow interface, the Apple Watch is still a heavy hitter in the smartwatch category.
Designed by Apple to work intimately with your iPhone, the Apple Watch is able to access parts of the phone’s operating system that other watches are locked out of (no doubt purposefully). This kind of watch-phone relationship is its biggest draw.
Apple’s main pull is its apps, and the Watch does have a lot of them. News, transit information, banking, social media, Apple Pay, entertainment ticketing, weather and even a remote control for your phone’s camera are just a few examples. It has fitness and health tracking for your steps taken, amount of calories burned, how often you’ve stood up and more. There is also a dedicated workout app for more detailed statistics.
The only downside is it must always be paired to your iPhone to access any of the information and, again, the loading of data can be slow at times.
Moto 360 (second generation)
Starts at $380
Yes Android users, there are great smartwatches for your phones, too. While some may side with Samsung’s Gear series, Motorola’s Moto 360 gets the strongest recommendation for the average Android user.
With Google owning Motorola, the company is able to create more of a watch-phone relationship like Apple has in its ecosystem. The Moto 360 is part of Google’s Android Wear category, which has additional features and apps that work hand-in-hand with your phone’s hardware. Also, like the Apple Watch, there are many Android Wear apps for a variety of uses including fitness, communication, GPS, productivity and health.
The Moto 360 looks slick and is comfortable to wear, even if the screen is a little larger than the average watch. The circular display definitely has more of a traditional watch feel, though, compared to Apple’s somewhat clunky look.
As an added bonus, since it is part of the Android Wear family, Google has opened the Moto 360 up to support Apple’s iPhone, so you can pick one up without owning an Android phone.
Pebble Time Round
Starts at $300
Sometimes we want a smartwatch that is a little more watch and less on the smart, but in a good way. One of the best on the market comes from Pebble, which got its humble beginnings on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter.
Made from the colour e-paper display we find in e-book readers such as Kobo or Kindle, it is far less demanding on its battery. This means the display is always on, unlike the high-tech competitors that use motion sensors to activate when you raise your arm.
The interface itself is more rudimentary so don’t expect any retina screens or high-definition graphics. The important thing is it still gives you all the information you need from text messages, notifications and e-mails to sports scores, weather and some productivity applications.
The new Pebble Time Round is very thin and light, with the most watch-like style from the company to date. The only downside is it isn’t as water-resistant as past models (which are also cheaper, starting at $120). All models work with both iPhone and Android devices.
Microsoft Band 2
Starts at $330
Yes, there is a smartwatch option for those out there with a Windows phone, too. One of the best comes from Microsoft itself, but it also works with Android devices and iPhones as well.
As its name suggests, the Microsoft Band 2 has more of the appearance of a fitness band than a watch as it tries to be a product that straddles both categories. Microsoft really pushes the health and fitness capabilities of the Band 2’s 11 internal sensors, which are designed for running, sports, working out and even tracking sleep patterns.
That said, it is also a smartwatch, but just a little more bare-boned. There are applications that let you reply to text messages, read e-mails and notifications or use social media. There is also voice input, and the unique curved display looks very futuristic. Sadly, though, because of its unique shape, the device’s interface suffers and can be a bit clumsy to use. But Microsoft pushes the Band 2 more for its fitness capabilities anyway, and, hey, at least there is a smartwatch for Windows phones, right?
Fitness and health trackers
Garmin Vivosmart HR, above
Starts at $200
If you want something that is closer to a Microsoft Band 2 but still mainly an activity tracker, then Garmin’s Vivosmart HR could be a solid alternative.
Like the Band 2, the Vivosmart HR is also a hybrid of sorts and will connect with your phone to show you a number of notifications on a pretty sharp (though basic) display. It has an optical heart rate sensor that keeps watch 24/7 to compare average and continual resting rates, plus the expected activity tracking features are included such as steps, distance, calories or workouts.
It doesn’t really do as much to encourage you to be more active like Fitbit does, but it does add in the previously mentioned notifications for text messages, e-mails or social media. Plus it can control your music, too, which is handy for the gym.
Fitbit Charge
Starts at $140
Fitbit bands seem to be everywhere and for good reason: Its minimalist design is all you need to get insight into your daily lifestyle while frequently being nudged to be healthier.
Though there are simpler Fitbit models that have no display, and more advanced models with smartwatch-like features including notifications or GPS tracking, the Fitbit Charge is a great option that’s right up the middle.
The Charge’s tiny screen can show you information including steps taken, calories lost or, yes, even the time. But what makes Fitbit impressive is its ability to track all your activities in the day, sync to your phone or computer and then tell you what to change along your journey. This is done in conjunction with food logs and health goals that you have inputted. You can also share your progress with friends for motivation, track your sleep patterns and receive nudge notifications for fitness reminders.
The Fitbit Charge is simple, but it works and does exactly what it claims. Plus having the small display is worth the few extra dollars.
Misfit Flash
Starts at $30
Simple, affordable and functional: If you really want to strip out all the bells and whistles, here is a great option. The Misfit Flash will track daily activities including walking, running, sports and even swimming thanks to being waterproof up to 30 metres. It will track your sleeping patterns, which some in this price range don’t always include.
But what is really interesting about the Misfit Flash is you can change it from a wristband to a clip-on, meaning it can attach to things such as shirts, pockets or shoes. It also claims up to six months of use on one charge.
Just keep in mind that you do get what you pay for; the material is not as high quality as other fitness options. However, at this price point, you still get all the basics covered and it also syncs up through Bluetooth to your device of choice.
The niche
TomTom Golfer GPS Watch, above
Starts at $300
Here’s another GPS-turned-wearable manufacturer, but with a twist. Unlike the previously mentioned Garmin, TomTom’s wearable is going after a very niche market: golfers.
Using GPS to determine your location and TomTom’s vast database of more than 34,000 golf courses, the watch will give you details about the hole you are playing, including distance, hazards, layup markers and more. You can keep track of your score each time and sync with your phone to see how you have improved your game after multiple visits. TomTom advertises it as the next best thing to a personal caddy, and it does certainly provide tips on how to play through courses better, provided they are in the database.
The only odd thing about the watch is it doesn’t use a touch screen, so you have to navigate with a touch pad underneath it. This isn’t a deal breaker though, making it a fun item for the golfer in your life. The primary downfall is that the TomTom Golfer GPS Watch may be too pricey for some.
Samsung Gear VR
Starts at $140 (on sale)
Speaking of niche products, virtual reality (VR) maker Oculus, which was purchased by Facebook, has teamed with Samsung to bring a headset to the home. The catch? You need a Samsung Galaxy device for it to work.
VR is already on the way to the home in a big way, with the technology coming to video game consoles next year and Oculus releasing its own device soon as well. But those fortunate to meet these Samsung requirements can ride the wave early with 2-D and 3-D photos, videos and gaming. The quality is of Oculus standards, but the main question is whether developers will support it or if they are waiting for the mainstream models that are coming soon.
Nonetheless, it is relatively inexpensive and a fun addition for the early adopters who happen to have a Samsung Galaxy device. Just make sure you’re on the compatible list before buying.